GQEBERHA – Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has relaunched its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme at Walmer High School in Gqeberha, aiming to strengthen academic performance while encouraging learners to pursue careers in the aviation sector.
The initiative, driven by ACSA’s Socio-Economic Development (SED) unit, was relaunched on February 27 and forms part of the company’s broader effort to develop aviation-related skills in communities surrounding the airport.
According to ACSA, the programme has coincided with improved matric results at the school.
Walmer High achieved a 95.4% pass rate in 2023, which increased to 96.2% in 2024 and further to 96.6% in 2025.
The number of learners writing matric also grew from 196 in 2023 to 212 in 2024 and 291 in 2025.
ACSA group spokesperson, Ofentse Dijoe, said the results demonstrate the programme’s impact on learners.
“Reflecting on the exceptional 2025 matric results, this indeed highlights the STEM programme’s tangible contribution and results-driven impact on the learners of Walmer High School,” said Dijoe.
The programme has now expanded to include Grade 10 learners. Through ACSA’s implementing partner, JB Education, learners in Grades 10 to 12 receive extra tutorial classes, study materials and examination preparation in subjects such as science, mathematics, mathematical literacy and accounting.
Dijoe stated that the initiative is intended to create a pathway for learners interested in aviation careers.
“In pursuit of building aviation-related skills, inspiring more learners to explore STEM-related subjects can support our drive to promote careers in the aviation sector,” he said.
He added that many aviation careers require strong foundations in STEM subjects.
“Various career options within aviation require a foundation in STEM-related subjects, for example, aviation operations, aviation safety and security, environmental management, and flight planning,” said Dijoe.
Walmer High School was selected as the pilot school because of its proximity to the airport, with ACSA focusing its development initiatives on surrounding communities.
“ACSA is a believer in the idiom ‘charity begins at home’. Our SED strategy is centred on prioritising the surrounding airport communities,” Dijoe said.
The programme also links to ACSA’s Sakhisizwe Bursary Scheme. Currently, 34 students are funded through the scheme, including 24 continuing students and 10 first-year students.
According to Dijoe, bursary recipients have gone on to graduate in various aviation-related fields. “Through the Sakhisizwe Bursary Scheme, students have graduated in various fields within the aviation industry, ranging from finance, engineering and information technology to infrastructure planning services, environmental services and being a pilot,” he said.
ACSA said the combined initiatives form part of its broader strategy to develop skills and increase participation in South Africa’s aviation sector.
ALSO READ: Chapman inspires learners through robotics, STEM initiative
You must be logged in to post a comment.